The climate is changing, what about you?

The climate is already changing

And so should you. The average surface air temperature of Earth has already risen more than 0.7°C over the last 100 years. Growing seasons are shifting. Sea ice is shrinking. Species are being pushed into new territories. And the rate of change is accelerating.

While international organisations and governments have a major role to play, YOU can also make changes to your lifestyle which can make a difference, even if small, to prevent the worst of climate change.

For suggestions – or to share your ideas – just click here.

You don’t have to give up your car

But alternatives like the bus and train are more energy efficient. They also reduce congestion, noise pollution and commuting stress.

And when you do need to drive, a few simple changes to your driving habits can make a big difference in reducing your car’s greenhouse gas emissions.

For tips on climate smart transport – or to share your own – just click here.

Reduce more than your carbon footprint

Cycling instead of driving to work is a great way to slash your greenhouse gas emissions and reduce your carbon footprint, but it can also help reduce your waistline, reduce stress and reduce strain on your wallet. You can also take your bike onto MyCiti buses at no added cost.

With dozens of km’s of dedicated cycle lanes in Cape Town from Table View to Khayelitsha to the CBD, and hundreds more being built, it has never been easier to hop in the saddle.

For newbie tips and the tricks of cycle commuting pros – or to share a few of your own – click here.

It works: reduce, reuse, recycle

If you buy only what you need and avoid products with excessive packaging, that’s a good start. But our goal must be zero waste going into landfills, especially in Cape Town where land is precious and our biodiversity is unique. Not to mention that landfills put off loads of methane – a potent greenhouse gas.

Separate your waste. Drop off recyclables yourself or pay a service to collect it for you. Start a worm farm. Compost if you have a garden. You can also donate used items and repair broken ones.

For mountains of practical advice – click here.

Be water wiser

No, squandered drinking water doesn’t directly cause sea levels to rise, but both are linked by climate change. Warmer seas mean higher sea levels, while warmer temperatures mean increased fresh water evaporation.

What’s more, Cape Town’s rainfall patterns are shifting, putting the already scarce resource of potable water even more at risk. The poorest among us are most vulnerable and likely to suffer the worst consequences.

So put in that dual-flush toilet and low-flow shower head, mulch the garden, collect rainwater, cover your pool and share your ideas to help all Capetonians adapt to climate change. Click here to begin.

Plant a tree and make a difference

In Cape Town there are few better ways to take greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere than by planting a (water-wise, indigenous) tree. It’s also crucial to care for those trees we already have.

What’s more, trees help soften urban landscapes, reduce noise pollution, create shade, screen the wind and beautify neighbourhoods, making Cape Town more pedestrian- and cycle-friendly, and a better place to live now and for the future. And planting indigenous trees helps us learn about and support our local biodiversity.

For suggestions on which trees to plant and where to source them – or to share your own green thumb ideas – click here.

The cost of electricity is rising sharply

The best ways to save are at your fingertips

Cape Town’s electricity comes almost entirely from power plants some 2 000 kms away that burn high sulphur, ‘dirty’ coal. Every kilowatt-hour you save helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Fortunately there are easy steps you can take – many are no cost and low cost – to reduce your electricity consumption. (And save money!) Turn down your geyser temperature. Shower instead of bath. The list goes on.

For top tips on how to save electricity – or to share your best ideas – click here.

Latest breaking news:
COP17 final outcomeThe early hours of Sunday 11 December finally saw 194 countries, including the US and China, agree to an “outcome with legal force” to reduce carbon emissions by 2015, to take effect in 2020. Here, a summary of the results by BusinessLive: A plan to capitalise the Green Climate Fund, which will provide US$100 billion [...]
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Carrotmob KhayelitshaJoin Climate Smart Cape Town for Africa’s second Carrotmob: Khayelitsha! Date:             Saturday 19 May 2012 Time:            11h00 – 15h00 Where:         Malibongwe Restaurant, Lookout Hill, cnr of Mew Way and Spine Road Bookings:    021 361 6259, or email to [email protected] Menu:          Carrotmobbers will enjoy a set menu featuring traditional township dishes (R80 [...]
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COP17 Climate Smart Cape Town daily: Final dayAs I write this, civil society protestors are are engaging in peaceful protests in the Durban ICC at COP17. It is not clear when the negotiations will end. Some say if they move into Saturday this is likely to mean a better outcome. Others are already frustrated with the slow pace of negotiations and lack [...]
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Video: Pavilion shows Cape Town climate change visionEyeWitnessNews reporter, Taurai Maduna, produced this video about the award winning Climate Smart Cape Town Pavilion at the Climate Change Response Expo at COP17 in Durban. The stand uses different coloured crates to create the outline of Table Mountain, with Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak, and is an iconic design that showcases the vision and [...]
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COP17 Climate Smart Cape Town daily: Day 11COP17 negotiators continued to push their countries positions with some surprise turnarounds by Canada and the USA. According to Reuters, the USA denied accusations that it was trying to delay the start of a legally binding deal until after 2020 because of deep splits between Democrats and Republicans. European and African countries remained committed to [...]
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How others are taking action:

WARP from Cape Town

The Woodstock Art Reef Project is a community based environmental awareness art project. WARP is crocheting a coral reef and extends awareness of climate change and sustainable livning at a community level. WARP is looking for partners to extend the educative activities and host an exhibition.artreefproject.ning.com

Read the rest of the story >>View all actions >>

Who’s listening?

A network of leaders from across the city is ready to read your ideas, follow projects and connect online.

Osman Asmal
Director: Environmental Resource Management Department: City of Cape Town
Bulelwa Makalima-Ngewana
Managing Director: Cape Town Partnership
Helen Zille
Premier: Provincial Government of the Western Cape
Rashid Toefy
Chief Executive: Cape Town International Convention Centre
Patricia de Lille
Executive Mayor: City of Cape Town

Who's talking?
- Brownpower23: If I get over 120, I'll go crazy 🎳 #CSCT »
- Mel036: #CSCT suite et fin (vivement ce soir) »
- Mel036: J’ai tellement gratté de papier que j’ai le bout des doigts tout engourdi #CSCT »
- Mel036: AAAAAARRRGGHHHH #CSCT »
- RssnSxts: @timodub encouragements sincères #CSCT, COURAGE et #soutine. »
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Inspiring Change Gathering sponsor
Climate Smart COP17 Pavilion sponsor

The climate is already changing

You don’t have to give up your car

Reduce more than your carbon footprint

It works: reduce, reuse, recycle

Be water wiser

Plant a tree and make a difference

The best ways to save are at your fingertips

Latest breaking news:

COP17 final outcome

Carrotmob Khayelitsha

COP17 Climate Smart Cape Town daily: Final day

Video: Pavilion shows Cape Town climate change vision

COP17 Climate Smart Cape Town daily: Day 11

How others are taking action:

WARP from Cape Town

Who’s listening?

Osman Asmal

Bulelwa Makalima-Ngewana

Helen Zille

Rashid Toefy

Patricia de Lille

Who's talking?

Inspiring Change Gathering sponsor

Climate Smart COP17 Pavilion sponsor

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